Manila, May 5, 2003 -- In local basketball, he's practically a legend. In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

He was the first-and so far the only player to win both Rookie of the Year
and Most Valuable Player honors in a single season. He is also a two-time MVP,
five-time Mythical Team member, eight-time PBA all-star and is included in the
list of the 25 PBA greats, an honor roll that includes basketball luminaries
like Robert Jaworski, William "Bogs" Adornado and Ramon Fernandez.

Everyone knows that Benjie Paras' passion is basketball. Thus, the
announcement of his early retirement shocked most people who felt that, at 34 -
and despite several career threatening injuries - Benjie still had a number of
good playing years in his hand.

Although, there are speculations that the trouble between him and the Shell
management forced him to retire, Benjie refuses to comment on the issue.

He says he owes Shell so much for it was the only team he ever played for
during his 14 years in the PBA. "All I've told people is that there is a big
reason behind my retirement. When I am ready, I will tell everyone what that
reason is," he says.

"Dadating din tayo diyan."

In the meantime, Benjie is looking forward to doing other things. On top of
the list is playing single dad to his two sons, Andre (named after tennis star
Andre Agassi) and Kobe (named after Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers), a role that
he is enjoying immensely. Then, there's also his flourishing showbiz career, a
thing he has never paid much attention to because of basketball.

Now, aside his regular show "Kool Ka Lang," Benjie is considering movie
offers as well as a new soap opera, titled "Narito Ang Puso Ko" which will star
Raymart Santiago. It will air on GMA-7 this May.

No, Benjie is not going to shift to heavy drama. He is going to be the comic
relief in the new soap.

"I enjoy comedy," says Benjie, who counts Jim Carrey and Rowan Atkinson
(recently seen in the movie "Johnny English") among his favorite comedians.

Benjie's showbiz career is being managed by Girlie Rodis of TalentWorks Asia.
He has been under Girlie's care for ten years now.

"It's going to be really exciting, because I have more options now,
career-wise," says Benjie. "I am really looking forward to all the opportunities
that are going to come my way."